LONDON -- The Indonesian Air Force announced on March 7 that it plans to acquire the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft, thus making official what has long been rumored. The announcement outlined plans for two such aircraft to support the government in transporting supplies between the eastern and western parts of the country.

Reports dating back to January 2017 indicated that Indonesia was leaning towards an A400M buy to help upgrade and broaden the Air Force's airlift capability. At the time media reports indicated that the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission on Defense had approved a $2 billion earmark for the procurement of five Airbus A400M Atlas strategic airlifters. Then a few months later in April news followed that the Indonesian government and Airbus Defense and Space had initiated discussions regarding contractual terms.

That the acquisition announced has been reduced to two, rather than five, units does not necessarily preclude the possibility of further orders. The age and attrition to the Air Force's core airlift fleet of C-130s means a long-term replenishment is necessary.

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